Matthew Knies is set to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs TAMPA — Fraser Minten isn’t taking anything for granted. The Toronto Maple Leafs centerman is set to play in his fourth NHL game this season, matching the total he played last year when he earned a spot out of training camp and made the opening-day lineup. Having experienced a taste of the NHL lifestyle—staying in luxury hotels and taking chartered flights for road games—Minten was asked if he’s grown accustomed to it after his introduction last season. “I hope I never get used to it because it’s definitely not something that’s normal,” Minten said with a smile during the team’s morning skate on Saturday. “It’s pretty special. So, yeah, it’s cool. It’s something that I’ll try not to take for granted ever. It’s pretty unreal.” Minten has a goal and an assist in three games this season. With multiple forwards out of the lineup, the Maple Leafs recalled the 20-year-old to help fill the void. Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving admitted the team called him up earlier than they would have preferred, but they needed reinforcements. With Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies set to return to the lineup, Minten will remain as the team’s third-line center. “It’s not very often you can have a 19- or 20-year-old come right into your lineup and hop right in on the penalty kill or whatever it may be,” Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe said of Minten. “He’s kind of filling holes in that sense, so it’s nice for us and for him to get that experience and that confidence.” Minten reflected on Toronto’s 5-1 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, noting their aggressive forecheck and the high pace required to compete with elite teams. With key players like Max Domi (lower-body) and David Kämpf (lower-body) still unavailable, Minten will continue to see opportunities. “He’s a young kid that hasn’t had much NHL experience for sure and didn’t really get much playing time in the minors before he was called up because we needed him,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Minten. “He’s just got to keep working on his game and improving at reading the play better. At the NHL level, it’s quick, right? You’ve got to anticipate. He’s a very positionally sound player, but it takes time. It’s not just going to happen overnight.” [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHA8yMR9jKM[/embed] Minten missed all of training camp with an ankle injury. He returned to action with the Toronto Marlies, scoring two goals and two assists in five games before being called up to the Leafs.
